Jerry Allen describes himself as “a John Wayne type of guy.” The former city councilman and member of Lake Highlands High School’s 1968 state championship basketball team doesn’t often tear up, but he got emotional returning to the school gym. Coach Joe Duffield invited him to speak to the Wildcats, preparing to play in the state tournament at the Alamodome as 6A Region I champs.
Duffield told his talented team how Allen hit two free throws in the game’s final ten seconds to help his squad win the 3A title 51-49.
“They started this thing 55 years ago, and now we get the chance to leave our mark and our legacy.”
Allen, who showed up in a Lake Highlands Basketball t-shirt, black jeans and cross trainers, has been speaking to crowds since he was eating solid foods. But he told the assembled team he was more nervous than the day he went 7-for-7 on free throws in his own championship game.
“I know what this means. I know how important it is. I know what it’s going to do to your lives,” he told them.
Right off the bat, Allen had a prediction.
“I’m telling you now, from what I’ve seen, y’all are going to be the next state champion. In my mind, there’s no ands, there’s no ifs, there’s no buts. The reason is you’ve got it. You’ve got the desire. You care about it. You want it, and you have the intensity to make it happen. Most importantly, you’re a team — from the coaches down to each and every one of you.”
The student athletes were profoundly respectful, focusing on Allen’s every word. He emphasized the accomplishment which lies within their grasp.
“Fifty-five years. That’s three of your lifetimes since the last time we put a banner up there [in this gym] saying state champion. And your banner will be up there another 55 years.”
Allen anticipated questions about what the boys would encounter when the team plays against Region II champion DeSoto Friday night and for a possible championship in the state final game Saturday.
“You’re in store for a level of intensity that you’ve never experienced in your life,” he explained. “It’s showtime. So just go in there and do the best you can. You already know what to do, because you’re winners. As soon as that buzzer goes off, it’s showtime. Until that buzzer goes off at the end, it’s showtime.”
Allen told the boys about playing against team from small Texas towns like Bonham, Greenville and McKinney back in the day, and he recalled his teammates by name. As the years go by, LH players will do the same, he told his rapt audience.
The athletes had practicing to do and drills to run, but it felt like they would have enjoyed listening to Allen’s stories all day.
“One last thing,” he said on his way out, “you guys have got people talking about you behind your back. Not only about your basketball ability, but about what class acts you guys are. Man, that’s what Lake Highlands is about. That’s just as important as winning a state championship.”
As they huddled up, they broke on “showtime.”
You may purchase individual tickets in the LH section for Friday night’s game online here using the promo code Home2. The link and the ticket will say 7 p.m., but it’s a two-game pass permitting entrance for LH’s 8:30 p.m. game also. If you prefer, you may purchase an all-tournament pass online here. Spectator info may be viewed here. The game will be streamed on Bally Fox Sports.
Thursday morning, LHHS is hosting a sendoff for the team at 9:30 a.m. in the new HUB connector building between LHHS and the former freshman center. Red ribbons have been tied near the front door of the school, and they’re being seen tied around trees and mailboxes in yards around LH. Go Cats.
